“Well, yes,” Constance said. “You are truly an earl?”
“Oh, most certainly,” he said, filling his cup and then passing the bottle back to Robert. “That is my title and it serves me well. Luke and Robert have been with us for several years now, as well.”
Constance rested her cup on her knee as she tried to comprehend the situation. “I do not understand. What is it you do exactly?”
Stephen smiled and then took a drink from his wine. “We help those who, like you, are lost. Women who have run from sorrowful situations and unwanted marriages. Young men whose estates have gone into bankruptcy, leaving them with nowhere to go.”
He walked over to a log that stood separate and climbed on it as if it were a dais. “We are the men of the woods, seeking to help those who need it. All know that they need to only call upon the Man in Black to save them.” He said the last with a flourish, his head tilted back, his arms straight out at his side, and his cup raised.
Constance could not stop herself from laughing, and her sisters did the same.
Stephen jumped off his log and came to stand before her. “We are many things, and we come from different backgrounds. Some here are unable to read or write while others can. Some have wealth and others do not. Some had wealth once but now are left with only their honor.” He knelt before her, and Constance felt her breath catch. “However, we all have dreams.”
“Dreams,” Constance whispered. At that moment, she wanted to know everything she could about this man. She wanted to know his dreams, his secrets, the longings in his soul. “What kind of dreams?” And how she wished to tell him hers.
However, the moment was broken when Louisa came and stood beside him. “If you are done entertaining your guests, we should eat.”
“You are right,” Stephen said, but he winked at Constance before standing. He turned, placed two fingers in his mouth, and whistled, a loud but melodious note.
Soon, everyone in the tiny village, if a village it could be considered, joined them, each stopping to take a wooden plate and utensils before joining at the table.
Uncertain what to do, Constance smiled at Louisa, but the woman did not return it. She stalked over to Stephen and glared at Constance, and Constance wished the woman knew she truly had no reason to worry about her and Stephen. Yet, she had already said as much and it had made no difference, so repeating herself would be fruitless.
Robert handed her a plate filled with slices of meat and piping hot potatoes.
Constance thanked him and turned her attention to Stephen, who stood at the head of the makeshift table. “Before we dine,” he said in a commanding tone, “let us welcome our newest friends.” He held his cup high, and the others followed suit. “To our new friends. May they never leave us.”
The audience echoed his words, and as Constance sipped her wine, she noticed that Stephen had not taken his eyes off her.
Chapter Five
The meat was the most succulent Constance had ever tasted, and she had more than one serving. She was far hungrier than she had thought, for she was never one to overeat. During the meal, she listened as the men shared stories and was surprised at how many women joined in.
“It was then,” Stephen was saying, “the princess asked me to run away with her. She wanted me to return to the castle to meet a cousin to the King. Alas, I refused her, though it hurt her deeply. Instead, I journeyed to where I was needed.”
Sally snorted. “You were on your way to collect supplies,” she said in an admonishing tone. “And that ‘princess’ you speak of? She was nothing more than a baroness older than the estate in which she lived!”
Everyone roared with laughter, and Constance found her worry leaving her and joy taking its place. What a lovely group of people! she thought. It was no wonder they were all so happy.
It was not long before the group dispersed, each off to do whatever chore they had been relegated, and Constance and her sisters bid everyone a goodnight. She felt a bit of guilt rise in her at the prospect that they were the only ones in the entire camp who were not helping in some way, but she was exhausted. Plus, what could she or the other two possibly contribute? She had never cleaned so much as a single pot in her life!
As promised, they slept in Stephen’s hut. Emma and Mary shared the larger bed, and a smaller had been placed across from it for Constance. Between them was a small cabinet where sat a single candle in a holder. A trunk at the end of the bed and a simple wooden chair were the only other pieces of furniture. Pegs stuck out of the walls for hanging garments, and a large rug lay on the wooden floor. It was a far cry from the luxury of Lankster Manor, but Constance had not felt so safe in a very long time.
“Are we to stay here long?” Emma asked as she hung one of her dresses on a peg.
“I’m not sure,” Constance replied. “I suppose another day or two, and then we shall see if they can direct us toward London.”
“It’s nice here,” Mary said with a smile. “I could stay forever.”
Constance turned on her sister. “That will not happen,” she said firmly. “We have a plan, and we will see it through.” She sighed. “I must speak to Stephen, and you two need your sleep. I will return soon.”
She walked out of the hut and into the night. The huts were highlighted by the bright moon overhead, and what a sight it was! Rogues, a vicar, former servants from large households, and even a former shop owner - not to mention an earl, if that was to be believed - was quite fascinating.
Two of the fire pits still glowed, and two people stood just outside the rim of light. Constance moved closer before she realized they were Stephen and Louisa, and by the way Louisa stood with her hands on her hips, the woman was not happy.
Constance had been told that the two were leaders not lovers, but she suspected that was untrue. The woman was most certainly possessive of Stephen, and though Constance did not view him as a prospective match for herself, she could see why a woman would act as such. He had a wonderful mischievous grin, a kind heart, and a handsome face; however, that did not matter to her. What did matter was she and her sisters being on their way to London as soon as possible.
After a sharp rebuke of words Constance could not make out, Louisa stalked off into the woods alone. Constance paused, unsure if she should give him a moment, but then she decided to join Stephen.
He looked up and greeted her with a smile. “Are your sisters comfortable? It is not what you are accustomed to, I’m sure, but the beds are nice once you are used to them.”
“They are better than sleeping on the ground,” Constance replied. “We are thankful and without complaint.”
“Please, sit,” he said, extending his hand toward a bench. “Would you like some wine?”
Constance nodded, and he handed her a wooden cup. When she took a sip, he grinned. “It is good, is it not?”
“It is, yes.” She found speaking difficult. His face was far more handsome than she had first thought, but she had to keep her head about her. She was not here in search of a husband; she had run for that very reason! “Very fine,” she added in one final attempt to put her mind on the wine and off the man beside her.
He studied his cup for a moment before replying. “I believe it is the finest. And it is pleasing to the lips.”
Constance took another sip in hopes of calming her beating heart. She did not dare dwell on what came to mind when he mentioned his lips! His were possessive yet soft, and she would not mind if he kissed her again.
“May I ask what you plan to do next?”
She studied him for a moment. “Might we get directions to London?” she asked.
“I doubt directions will be enough. If I were to simply give you directions and allow you to go on your way, I would only need to rescue you again in a few days.”
She bristled at his insolent grin. One moment he was kind and acting as if they were long lost friends, but in the following moment he mocked her and made her feel silly.
“My sisters and I m
ay not be woodspeople,” she snapped, “but neither are we imbeciles.”
“I have offended you,” he replied. “My apologies.”
Constance doubted his sincerity but said nothing in reply. She was much too angry - and embarrassed.
“And once you arrive in London?”
Constance studied the fire. The question was valid, but the truth was she did not have a ready answer. “I’m afraid our escape was not well-planned. I was more concerned with escaping, and I believed London would provide refuge until we planned out the next steps. It appears I have not thought this through at all.”
Suddenly, everything came crashing in on her. The death of her parents for which she had yet to mourn even after all these years because she had to be strong for her sisters; the cruelty of her stepfather; the fear of the men to whom he had sold them. Her heart could no longer hold any of it, and no matter how hard she tried, she could not stop the blasted tears from flowing.
“My sisters sleep tonight believing I can take care of them. However, the truth is that I cannot. I almost led them to their deaths! We have no friends, no family to whom we can turn, and the thought of being alone terrifies me.”
“Constance,” Stephen’s voice was soft and soothing, and she looked at him through tear-filled eyes. He reached out and wiped away her tears. “You are not alone, for I will see that you and your sisters are kept safe and no one will hurt you.”
Constance nodded and wiped at her eyes. “Thank you,” she replied.
“It is not as if you have much choice whether or not you should trust me,” he said with another wink, which made her give a weak laugh. “There, you must continue doing that.”
“Doing what?”
“Laughter, not tears.”
A warmness washed over her heart. “You are right. I think I may be in a state of exhaustion, for the journey thus far has been troubling, and I am unsure what lies ahead.”
Stephen rose from his seat and walked a few steps toward the fire. “I have spoken to Louisa, and we would like you and your sisters to remain with us for a while. What do you think?”
“I’m unsure,” she replied. The huts were nice enough, and though they were not what she was used to, she had already resigned herself to maybe never returning to a life to which she was accustomed. What concerned her was her sisters. They had been brought up to be ladies. What if they lost their civility? “I thank you for your offer, but I believe we should go on to London.”
“There is nothing there for you,” he said, turning to face her. “But there is here. Stay for a time, live among us and see what we do.” He walked over and lowered himself to one knee in front of her. “If at any time you grow weary of this life, I will take you to London myself.”
If even a week ago someone would have told Constance she and her sisters would be living like peasants in the woods with strangers she would have laughed. She was not sure if it was the best solution to their problem or the smile of the man who knelt before her, but she found herself nodding in agreement.
“Excellent,” he said. “You will not regret your choice.” He stood and offered her his hand. “Now, if there was only music so I could ask you to dance.”
She laughed. “Dance? Do you enjoy dancing?”
“But of course,” he said, releasing her hand and dropping a deep bow. “I am an earl who dances, makes people laugh, and I even fence!” He removed his knife, turned away from her, and thrust it through the air like a sword.
Constance laughed. “So fierce!” she said.
“We must find you a knife of your own.”
Constance gasped. “A knife? I do not know how to use a knife, except to cut my food. Plus, a proper lady would never carry such a weapon.”
Stephen raised an eyebrow. “It will do no harm to learn. Either it is knife lessons or dance lessons. I am skilled in both, so you must choose one. Just remember, one may save your life one day.”
This made Constance laugh so hard her stomach hurt. “Very well, you may teach me the ways of using a knife.” Overcome with giddiness, she grasped the sides of her skirts and curtsied. “Thank you, my lord.”
Stephen bowed again. “Now, that was much better, was it not?”
“What was that?” she asked as she wiped a tear of laughter from her eye.
“Laughing. Happiness. They are far better than the fear we grasp onto.”
“You are right,” Constance replied, and she could not have spoken more truthfully. “It is far better.” For a moment, she found herself gazing at the man, imagining what it would be like to dance with him. She could see muscles beneath the sleeves of his shirt, and she was already aware of those on his chest - though she tried not to think of them!
Her cheeks should have kept the weakening fire burning strong. She was much too old to be a lovestruck girl!
“I should be off to bed. Thank you again for…everything.”
“You are quite welcome,” Stephen replied.
Constance returned to the hut, and with that return came her previous worries. When she glanced back at the man who had retaken his place by the fire, however, she could not help but smile. Laughter and happiness were far greater than what she had endured recently. She pushed aside her worries and entered the hut, ready for a good night’s sleep.
Chapter Six
Stephen Chambers, 7th earl of Hartford, woke the following morning with a smile wider than usual. The reason for that smile was due to the woman who consumed his thoughts. Newcomers arrived at the camp often, some runaways and others rescued from one evil culprit or another, some ladies and others not, but none compared to Constance. The woman was beautiful with her honey-colored hair and sparkling blue eyes, and he found himself smitten with her.
From the moment he had first seen her, a spark ignited within him. Last night, however, that spark had turned into a fire of desire. He had caught the woman looking his way often, and when they had sat alone to share in wine, he had been tempted to take her into his arms and dance beneath the stars. To touch her smooth skin and taste the sweetness of her lips once more.
Though he joked that he was a rogue, the truth was he was not. Now he wished he had not acted as he had. The woman had many qualities to admire, but it was the way she conducted herself in the midst of what many considered outlaws, ever remaining the lady. She maintained her rigid posture and chastised her sisters for not watching their manners during breakfast that morning, and he could do nothing more than smile.
He wanted to help them, but he also feared Constance would ask to leave for London immediately. The woman brought a new presence to the camp, one they needed, and one he did not want to be rid of.
He surveyed the camp. Many were making preparations to leave, including Robert the Rogue, who was currently speaking to Mary. Constance’s youngest sister, Emma, was speaking to Vicar Luke, craning her neck in order to look at him. Then he smiled when Constance rushed to the girl, appearing to chastise her before leading her away.
“I’m glad you have found something to keep you fascinated,” Louisa said as she joined him. She wore a look of disapproval just as she had done since the sisters’ arrival. “We still have work to do.”
“I’m well aware of that,” Stephen replied. “They are a joyful bunch, and they bring back a sense of hope that has been missing in the camp. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Louisa gave a derisive sniff. “The camp has been fine,” she said, fastening the top button of her shirt. “It is you who has been down as of late.”
He wanted to argue. What right did she have to make such a statement? In truth, Stephen was growing weary of organizing everyone and traveling great distances in order to help those in need. Well, maybe not tired of doing those things necessarily, for it had become his life’s work, but he had gotten very little sleep over the past few weeks and that was grating on him.
As if reading his thoughts, Louisa placed a hand on his arm and said, “You are tired, Stephen. You must get some rest.”
&nb
sp; “I will rest later; once everyone leaves.” He offered her one of his best smiles to prove he was all right.
Louisa sighed. “You know what I mean. There are ways to see you have the rest you need and the life you deserve. You know this.”
“I do know.” He was unable to look at her, and he returned his gaze to Constance, who was speaking with Emma and Mary.
“We have built something great here. Many years of hard work, loyalty, and friendship. See that you do not throw it away over some woman.”
Stephen turned back to his friend. “Throw it away?” he said. “I have no intention of throwing any of it away.”
“Your eyes are on that woman as much as Luke and Robert’s are on her sisters,” Louisa said. “If you men wish to make them happy - or take them to your bed - I cannot stop you. But do not destroy all we have built for a romp in the hay.” She said this last bit with anger, and Stephen was unsure how to respond.
“You worry over nothing,” he said in an offhanded manner. “It is Louisa who is at my side, certainly not a lady of the ton.” This brought about a smile from Louisa, though Stephen regretted his words. Great friends as they were, she had told him on more than one occasion that she wanted more. As much as he loved her dearly, however, he did not love her in the way she wanted.
“I will be taking a few with me into town,” Louisa said. “Is there anything you wish me to collect?”
Stephen nodded as he glanced at the three sisters. “Appropriate clothing for them; they may stay with us for a while.”
Louisa sighed with a shake of her head. “They are ladies, Stephen, not women meant to be in the woods.”
He grimaced. “I am well aware of this fact, but they are in need of help and have nowhere to go.”
Louisa snorted and turned to walk away, her red hair flowing around her shoulders.
“Louisa.” She stopped and turned her head, though she did not look at him. “We have built this place together, and together we shall continue to watch over it. Nothing will ever change that.”
Rogues Always Wear Black: A Steamy British Historical Romance Novel (Forbidden Kisses Book 1) Page 5